The Buffalo Sabres kicked off preparation this week as the team held its first practice for the younger players ahead of the Prospect Challenge, with the Sabres' first game of the tournament on Friday. One of the players to watch closely is Isak Rosen, who was a first-round pick by the Sabres in 2021.
Rosen has been with the Amerks now for the past three seasons and has appeared in 194 games over that stretch. He has 142 points but has gotten better each season and had a career-high in goals (28) and points (55) this past season.
While Rosen has improved, the pressure is on for him to take that next step and earn a full-time spot with the Buffalo Sabres. As Rosen said after practice on Wednesday, according to WGR550's Paul Hamilton, he is aware that there is some urgency on his part to take that next step.
"“It’s my fourth year and it’s time to show that I want a jersey in Buffalo.”"
What is Isak Rosen's path to the Buffalo Sabres this training camp?
While Rosen is aware that time might be running out, there really isn't a clear path to the NHL for him. The Sabres certainly have questions, but he is going to have to beat out some notable players if he wants a spot.
It is worth noting that Hamilton wrote that Rosen shouldn't just be competing for a spot but competing for a Top 6 spot. He mentions Zach Benson or Jack Quinn as players that Rosen could be trying to beat out this training camp.
There is no question that those two players are probably on the shakiest ground in terms of their spot on the Sabres roster among the forwards.
The good news for Rosen is that he has a slight advantage over those two as he is participating in the Prospect Challenge this weekend. He will get a chance to impress the coaching staff with his play on the ice and show he is ready to take that next step in his career.
It isn't a guarantee but it isn't completely out of the question for Isak Rosen and has he notes, this is the time for him to show he belongs in the NHL with the Buffalo Sabres.